Treadmill Multipurpose Safety System

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a safety system for treadmills. The safety system includes at least one load/weight sensor and a small switch disposed within the base of the treadmill. The system also includes a comparator for comparing the weight of a user standing on the treadmill, and an input weight of the user displayed on a dashboard of the treadmill. The safety system allows the treadmill to activate only when the weight of the user is equal or more than the selected weight on the dashboard. The system can be integrated into a treadmill during manufacturing or can be retrofitted to existing treadmills. The system also controls various variables such as speed, duration and inclination of the treadmill.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of U.S.Provisional Application No. 63/211,453, which was filed on Jun. 16, 2021and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of exerciseequipment. More specifically, the present invention relates to a safetysystem for treadmills and other indoor running-based exercise equipment.The fail-safe safety system includes a sensor and a small switchinstalled at the base of the treadmill unit. Users can select an amountof weight on the treadmill dashboard, and the treadmill is onlyactivated when a user having a weight equal to or more than the selectedweight steps onto the running surface/belt of the treadmill. The systemprevents children from inadvertently stepping or crawling on thetreadmill and getting injured. The switch and sensor can communicate toprevent activation of the treadmill when nobody is on the surfaceactively running. Accordingly, the present disclosure makes specificreference thereto. Nonetheless, it is to be appreciated that aspects ofthe present invention are also equally applicable to other likeapplications, devices and methods of manufacture.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Keeping agile, fit and active has become an important part of people'slifestyles. Some of the preferred forms of exercise for keeping fitinclude running, cycling and rowing, as they are aerobic exercises.Aerobic exercise is a popular form of exercise that improves one'scardiovascular health by reducing blood pressure and providing otherbenefits to the human body. However, with increasing demands beingplaced on people's lives due to work and family, it is often difficultto find the time to exercise regularly. To meet the demand for increasedexercise in a busy and unscheduled lifestyle, a wide range of exerciseapparatus has been developed that allows people to exercise in indoorenvironments, such as in the office and at home. The most popular ofthese exercise apparatuses are the treadmills.

By way of background, treadmills are aerobic exercise equipment thatpeople use for walking or running in an indoor environment. Treadmillsare mostly used as exercise machines for running or walking in oneplace, and provide a moving platform with a wide conveyor belt driven byan electric motor or a flywheel. Treadmills offer a plurality ofcontrols allowing people to modify speed, incline, resistance, et. al.,as per their preferences. Usually, people press a start button on thetreadmill for activating the treadmill and press a speed button foradjusting the speed of the conveyer belt. People can also adjust theinclination of the treadmills as per their preferences.

The problem with conventional treadmills, irrespective of how advancedthey are, is that they are potentially dangerous for children andinfants. Children can accidentally climb on a running or turningtreadmill. This situation is particularly acute when a person who isusing the treadmill leaves the treadmill belt running/turning when theystep off. Also, a child or infant can climb on a treadmill andmistakenly or accidently turn on the treadmill. Running treadmills aredangerous for children and infants as they can cause serious injury anddeath. This problem is further exacerbated when an adult is notsupervising children near the exercise equipment, especially treadmillsor similar exercise equipment. Therefore, people desire a safety systemfor treadmills that makes the treadmills safe for children especially inhomes where the children are frequently in and around the home gym areaor a general exercise area.

Typically, the speed and activation/deactivation of treadmills aremanually controlled by the person who is running on the treadmill. Noautomatic activation/deactivation of the treadmill is available in thecurrently available treadmills. Also, a treadmill generallyautomatically turns off after a predetermined time has elapsed, whereinthe predetermined time can be configured by a user. However, within suchpredetermined time, a person, child or infant can accidently climb onthe running treadmill, which can result in serious injury or death.

Therefore, there exists a long felt need in the art for a safety systemfor a treadmill that prevents children from accidentally getting on topof a moving treadmill. There is also a long felt need in the art for asafety system for a treadmill that provides automatic activation anddeactivation features on the treadmill. Additionally, there is a longfelt need in the art for a safety system for a treadmill that eliminatesthe activation of the treadmill by a child climbing onto the treadmill.Moreover, there is a long felt need in the art for a safety system for atreadmill that improves and maintains the overall safety of thetreadmill exercise equipment. Further, there is a long felt need in theart for a safety system for a treadmill that can be installed in newlymanufactured treadmills, and also retrofitted to existing treadmills.Finally, there is a long felt need in the art for a safety system for atreadmill that prevents activation of the treadmill when a minimumweight has not been detected, or when a child/infant has climbed ontothe running surface of the treadmill.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodimentthereof, comprises a safety system for treadmills. The safety systemautomatically starts and stops a treadmill based on a predeterminableweight of a user standing on the treadmill, thereby prohibiting childrenand infants from becoming injured or worse. More specifically, thesafety system includes: a load sensor disposed on a base of thetreadmill for measuring or sensing a weight/load on the treadmill ortreadmill belt; an input or predeterminable weight control for inputtinga specific weight to a controller of the treadmill; a comparator forcomparing the weight sensed by the load sensor and input weight controlby the user; the comparator further determining if the weight sensed bythe load sensor is more than the input weight control; a switch foractivating a running surface or belt of the treadmill, if it isdetermined that the weight sensed by the load sensor is more than theinput weight control; and deactivating the running surface, and/orprohibiting activation of the running surface, if it is determined thatthe weight sensed by the load sensor is less than the input weightcontrol.

In this manner, the novel safety system for a treadmill of the presentinvention accomplishes all of the forgoing objectives and provides arelatively safe and convenient treadmill to allow people to use thetreadmill for maintaining fitness, without worry of injuries to theirchildren or pets. The treadmill exercising device can be retrofitted toexisting and previously purchased treadmills and can be activated forrunning the treadmill when a measurable or predeterminable weight hasbeen sensed and exceeded on the running surface of the treadmill.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basicunderstanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summaryis not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identifykey/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its solepurpose is to present some general concepts in a simplified form as aprelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodimentthereof, comprises a safety system for treadmills. The safety system isconfigured to automatically start and stop a treadmill, and/or prohibitactivation of the treadmill, based on weight of the user standing on thetreadmill. More specifically, the safety system comprises: one or moreload sensors disposed on the base of the treadmill for measuring aweight/load of a user, person or pet standing on the treadmill; an inputweight control for inputting a specific weight criteria threshold foractivation of the treadmill; a comparator for comparing the weightsensed by the one or more load sensors and input weight by the user,person or pet; the comparator further determining if the weight sensedby the load sensors is more than the input weight control; a switch foractivating a running surface or belt of the treadmill, if it isdetermined that the weight sensed by the load sensors is more than theinput weight control; and deactivating the running surface or belt, orprohibiting activation of the running surface, if it is determined thatthe weight sensed by the load sensors is less than the input weightcontrol.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, one or more loadsensors can be coupled to the switch through a first wired circuit andthe input weight control can be connected to the switch through a secondwired circuit.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, one or more loadsensors can be located near the pivot end of the treadmill and theswitch can be disposed near an inclination actuator of the treadmill.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, a novel treadmillwith an integrated or retrofitted safety system is disclosed. Thetreadmill includes: a running surface or belt for a user to walk or runon using a rotor; a dashboard having a display that displays a pluralityof weight options for selection by a user; a safety system that includesat least one load sensor positioned under the running surface or belt;the load sensor measures the weight of a user, individual or petstanding on the running surface; a switch disposed near an inclinationactuator connected to the load sensor and the dashboard; a comparatorfor comparing the selected weight option and weight measured by one ormore load sensors; and a processor for activating or deactivating therunning surface based on the comparison. In yet another embodiment, theswitch actuates and controls speed, inclination and time for which therunning surface runs.

In yet another embodiment, a method activating a treadmill when a userhaving weight equal or more than a specified value climbs on thetreadmill is described. The method includes: initially inputting by auser a desired, or control, weight in a dashboard of the treadmill;measuring the weight of the user standing on the treadmill by a loadsensor; comparing the input or control weight to a weight experienced bythe load sensor by a comparator; determining if the input weight is moreor less than the weight measured by the load sensor, and if the measuredweight is more than the input weight, activating the running surface ofthe treadmill; and, if the measured weight is not more than the inputweight, not activating the running surface of the treadmill.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certainillustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein inconnection with the following description and the annexed drawings.These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various waysin which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and areintended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Otheradvantages and novel features will become apparent from the followingdetailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The description refers to provided drawings in which similar referencecharacters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and inwhich:

FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of one potential embodiment of atreadmill multipurpose safety system of the present invention to beinstalled in treadmills in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of thetreadmill apparatus in which the one potential embodiment of themultipurpose safety system of the present invention is installed inaccordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic view showing how the treadmillmultipurpose safety system of the present invention automatically andsafely activates, and/or conditionally activates, a treadmill inaccordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic view showing control of variousparameters of the treadmill by switch of the multipurpose safety systemof the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view showing a selected weight on thedashboard of the treadmill, and inactivates the running surface when arequired weight or input weight control is not applied or measured onthe running surface in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 6 illustrates a flow diagram showing steps performed in using thetreadmill multipurpose safety system of the present invention inaccordance with the disclosed architecture; and

FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of a user running on the treadmillwhen the safety system of the present invention is installed in thetreadmill in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, whereinlike reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout.In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerousspecific details are set forth in order to provide a thoroughunderstanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovationcan be practiced without these specific details. In other instances,well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form inorder to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments arediscussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are describedonly to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are notintended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limitthe scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment neednot have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in otherembodiments, any of the features described herein from differentembodiments may be combined.

As noted above, there exists a long felt need in the art for a safetysystem for a treadmill that prevents children from accidentally gettingon top of a moving treadmill. There is also a long felt need in the artfor a safety system for a treadmill that provides automatic activationand deactivation features to the treadmill. Additionally, there is along felt need in the art for a safety system for a treadmill thateliminates activation of the treadmill by a child climbing on thetreadmill. Moreover, there is a long felt need in the art for a safetysystem for a treadmill that improves and maintains the overall safety ofthe treadmill exercise equipment. Further, there is a long felt need inthe art for a safety system for a treadmill that can be installed innewly manufactured treadmills and also retrofitted to existingtreadmills. Finally, there is a long felt need in the art for a safetysystem for a treadmill that prevents activation of the treadmill when aminimum weight has not been detected or when a child/infant has climbedonto the running surface of the treadmill.

The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, includes a noveltreadmill with an integrated or retrofitted safety system. The treadmillfeatures a running surface or belt for a user to walk or run on using arotor, a dashboard having a display that displays a plurality of weightoptions for selection by a user, a safety system that includes at leastone load sensor positioned under the running surface or belt, the loadsensor measures a weight of a user, individual, or pet standing on therunning surface, a switch disposed near an inclination actuator that canbe connected to the load sensor and the dashboard, a comparator forcomparing the selected weight option and an actual weight measured byone or more load sensors and a processor for activating or deactivatingthe running surface based on the comparison.

Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagramof one potential embodiment of a treadmill multi-purpose safety systemof the present invention to be installed in treadmills in accordancewith the disclosed architecture. The multi-purpose safety system 100 ofthe present invention is designed to be installed in a conventionaltreadmill and deactivate the treadmill, or prohibit activation of thetreadmill, if a specific amount of weight is not applied to the runningsurface (belt) of the treadmill. More specifically, the treadmillmulti-purpose safety system 100 includes one or more load sensors 102that are positioned below the running surface of the treadmill. The loadsensor 102 is designed to measure the vertical load applied by a humanor pet when standing on the static running surface. The vertical load isprimarily the weight of a person standing on the running surface. Theload sensor 102 can be in the form of a load transducer or load cell,that measures the load applied on the static running surface andconverts same into an electrical signal. Alternatively, the load sensor102 can be in the form of strain gauge disposed under the runningsurface. The load sensor 102 used in the safety system 100 measures theweight applied to the treadmill and can be calibrated up to a correctionof ±2%.

The safety system 100 includes a comparator 104 in the form of a chipand can be connected to the load sensor 102. The comparator 104 comparesthe load or weight value received from the load sensor 102 to the weightvalue, input weight control or input weight parameter incorporated inweight parameter 108 of the dashboard of a treadmill 200. The system 100can receive the input weight parameter 108 on a user interface ordashboard prior to using the treadmill 200. The input weight control bythe user is compared with the weight measured by the load sensor 102 forautomatically activating or prohibiting activation of the treadmill.This comparison is advantageous, as the comparison and matching (atleast equal) of the weight sensed by the load sensor 102 and the inputweight parameter 108 can be established as a necessary condition for therunning surface of the treadmill to activate. In this way, children,infants, and/or pets cannot activate the treadmill, and as soon as aperson steps off from the running treadmill, the treadmill automaticallyshuts off. As stated, the weight sensed by the load sensor 102 needs tobe more than the weight parameter 108 input by the user on the dashboardfor the running surface 202 of the treadmill 200 to activate and/or tocontinue activating.

The safety system 100 includes a switch 106 that closes or opens thecircuit of the rotor of the treadmill 200. The switch can either openthe wired circuit to the rotor directly without requiring the processorof the treadmill, or alternatively can transmit an instruction signal tothe processor of the treadmill for activating or deactivating thetreadmill, based on the comparison of the weight sensed by the weightsensor 102, and the weight parameter 108. An additional speaker 110 canbe included in the safety system 100 for audible alerts of thedifference in weight between that sensed by the weight sensor 102 andthat which has been established as the weight parameter 108 input by theuser into the dashboard control.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of atreadmill apparatus in which the one potential embodiment of themultipurpose safety system of the present invention is installed inaccordance with the disclosed architecture. The exercise machinedescribed herein is depicted as an exemplary treadmill 200. Although theexemplary exercise machine depicted herein is a treadmill, in otherexamples different exercise machines can include devices designed forrowing, elliptical movements, stair climbing, et. al. The treadmill 200includes a base 210 that houses a running surface or static belt 202.The running surface or belt 202, on which a user may walk, jog and/orrun, moves over the base 210. At least one load sensor 102, such as apiezoelectric load sensor that detects a vertical load placed thereon bya user standing on static belt 202 and provides output signals inresponse thereto, can be housed at a convenient location in the base210. The range of detection of the weight by the load sensor 102 spansacross the length of the running surface 202. The load sensor 102 can beoperatively coupled and fastened to the base/deck 210, and produceelectrical signals such as voltage signals that are proportional to theweight detected by the load or weight sensor 102.

The treadmill 200 includes a switch 106 on the safety system installednear the inclination actuator 212 of the treadmill 200. The switch 106can be connected through a first wired circuit 204 disposed under thebelt 202 within the base 210. The electrical signal from the sensor 102can be received by the switch 106. A comparator (shown as 104 in FIG. 1) can be formed on a chip in the switch 106, or alternatively as aseparate module to receive the signal from the sensor 102, and can bepassed to the switch 106. The switch 106 can also be connected to theweight parameter control 108 disposed on the dashboard 214 and can beused for inputting a desired and specific input weight control such as40 lbs., 50 lbs., 60 lbs. and the like. The switch 106 includes theconnection with the weight parameter control 108 through a second wiredcircuit 206. It should be noted that both the first wired circuit 204and the second wired circuit 206 are disposed within the body of thetreadmill 200, in both the variant where the safety system is integratedin the treadmill 200 during manufacturing, and also when retrofitted inpre-existing treadmills 200.

The exemplary treadmill 200 includes a display 208 on which a user canview the weight to be inputted 108 for comparison with the weightdetected by the load sensor 102. A speaker 110 can also be retrofittedin the dashboard 214 for audible signals, indicating the differencebetween the weight sensed by the weight sensor 102 and the weight inputby the user on the dashboard 214 using the weight parameter control 108.

FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic view showing how the treadmillmultipurpose safety system of the present invention automatically andsafely activates a treadmill in accordance with the disclosedarchitecture. The comparator 104 of the multipurpose safety systemreceives a weight value detected by the load or weight sensor 102 and aweight value input by a user on the dashboard of the treadmill usingweight parameter control 108. The values are received by the comparator104 in the form of electrical signals, such as voltage signals, and thereceived values are compared by the comparator 104. Once the comparisonis made and the values are found to be matching or the weight valuereceived from the load sensor 102 is found to be greater than the inputweight control 108 value received from the dashboard, then aninstruction signal can be transmitted to the switch 106. The switch 106can be coupled to the processor 302 of the treadmill and can transmit aninstruction signal for activating the rotor 304 of the treadmill tostart horizontal movement of the running surface or belt of thetreadmill. Accordingly, the processor 302 instructs the rotor 304 of thetreadmill to automatically activate the treadmill.

It should be appreciated that the processor 302 instructs the rotor 304to activate only after receiving an instruction signal from the switch106, based on the comparison result of the comparator 104. Thus, if achild accidently or inadvertently tries to start the treadmill, therotor 304 will not be activated, as the processor 302 does not receivean instruction signal from the switch 106. Alternatively, in onepotential implementation, the switch 106 can directly instruct the rotorto activate or deactivate based on comparison of weight values by thecomparator 104.

FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic view showing control of variousparameters of the treadmill by the switch of the multi-purpose safetysystem of the present invention in accordance with the disclosedarchitecture. The switch 106 of the safety system based on the weightvalue detected by the load sensor can control and actuate variouscontrol measures of the treadmill in order to make the runningexperience safer and more personalized for the user. The switch 106 canactuate and control the maximum time 402 for which the rotor 304 canrotate, thereby allowing a predetermined time for the running surface tomove. Similarly, the switch 106 can activate and control the inclinationcontrol 404 of the treadmill, prohibiting a user to incline thetreadmill beyond a safe inclination angle. As known in the state of theart, a prescribed limit can be prescribed or predetermined for a personwhile running on the treadmill and thus, the switch 106 automaticallycontrols and sets a limit on the maximum speed 406 of the treadmill.These controls set by the switch 106 are followed by the rotor 304 andother components of the treadmill, thereby making the running and use ofthe treadmill safe.

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view showing a selected weight on thedashboard of the treadmill and inactive running surface when therequired weight is not applied on the running surface in accordance withthe disclosed architecture. As shown, a particular weight, such as 60Lbs., is selected from a list of weights on the display 502 of thedashboard 214. The list of weights can be predefined and displayed onthe display 502, and can also be input by the user wherein the userdefines a specific input weight control. It should be appreciated that aweight value lower than a threshold value cannot be set to activate therunning surface 202. This is useful for preventing situations wherein achild 504 climbs onto the treadmill 200. When the child 504 accidentlyclimbs on the treadmill 200, as the weight of the child 504 is below theinput weight control value selected on the display 502, the runningsurface or belt 202 is prohibited from moving and the child remainssafe. Similarly, when a user running on the treadmill hops off, the belt202 stops moving even if the child 504 climbs onto the treadmill, thechild 504 remains safe and secure.

FIG. 6 illustrates a flow diagram showing the steps performed in using atreadmill multi-purpose safety system of the present invention inaccordance with the disclosed architecture. Initially, a user can inputa desired weight into the dashboard of the treadmill or alternatively, aweight value can be preconfigured in the safety system (Block 602). Whena user stands on the treadmill, the load sensor measures the load/weightexperienced on the running surface/belt of the treadmill (Block 604).The system compares the input weight and the weight experienced by theload sensor (Block 606). If the input weight is more than the weightmeasured by the load sensor, the running surface of the treadmill is notactivated for safety purposes (Block 608). If the input weight is lessthan the weight measured by the load sensor, the system can activatewith a predetermined treadmill time, speed and inclination (Block 610),and actuate the running surface accordingly (Block 612).

FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of a user running on the treadmillwhen the safety system of the present invention is installed in thetreadmill in accordance with the disclosed architecture. When the inputweight by a user 700 is compared with the weight of the user 700 sensedby the load sensor 102 located at the pivot end 702 of the treadmill200, and is found to be less than the weight of the user, and if theweight of the user is above a pre-set threshold, then the treadmillstarts like a conventional treadmill and the user 700 uses the treadmill200 for running as per the desires and preferences of the user.

Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claimsto refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the artwill appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature orcomponent by different names. This document does not intend todistinguish between components or features that differ in name but notstructure or function. As used herein “treadmill multi-purpose safetysystem”, “multi-purpose safety system”, “safety system”, and “system”are interchangeable and refer to the treadmill multi-purpose safetysystem 100 of the present invention.

Notwithstanding the forgoing, the treadmill multi-purpose safety system100 of the present invention can be of any suitable size andconfiguration as is known in the art without affecting the overallconcept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above-statedobjectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that thesize, configuration, and material of the treadmill multi-purpose safetysystem 100 as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, andthat many other sizes and shapes of the treadmill multi-purpose safetysystem 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Althoughthe dimensions of the treadmill multi-purpose safety system 100 areimportant design parameters for user convenience, the treadmillmulti-purpose safety system 100 may be of any size that ensures optimalperformance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/orpreferences.

Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplaryembodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the presentinvention. While the embodiments described above refer to particularfeatures, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments havingdifferent combinations of features and embodiments that do not includeall of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the presentinvention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications,and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with allequivalents thereof.

What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subjectmatter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivablecombination of components or methodologies for purposes of describingthe claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art mayrecognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimedsubject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter isintended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variationsthat fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in eitherthe detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to beinclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising”is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.

What is claimed is:
 1. A safety system for a treadmill, the safetysystem comprising: a load sensor disposed on a base of the treadmill,wherein said load sensor measures a weight on said base of saidtreadmill; a predeterminable input weight control value inputted into acontroller of said treadmill; a comparator for comparing said weight onsaid base of said treadmill to said input weight control value, whereinsaid comparator determining if said weight on said base is greater thansaid input weight control value; and a switch for activating a runningsurface of said treadmill if said weight on said base is greater thansaid input weight control value.
 2. The safety system for a treadmill ofclaim 1, wherein said running surface is a treadmill belt.
 3. The safetysystem for a treadmill of claim 2, wherein said switch deactivates saidrunning surface of said treadmill if said weight on said base is lessthan said input weight control value.
 4. The safety system for atreadmill of claim 2, wherein said switch prohibits said running surfaceof said treadmill if said weight on said base is less than said inputweight control value.
 5. The safety system for a treadmill of claim 4,wherein said input weight control value is a minimum value and saidminimum value is 60 lbs.
 6. The safety system for a treadmill of claim2, wherein said activating said running surface includes a running time,a speed, and an inclination.
 7. The safety system for a treadmill ofclaim 2, wherein said load sensor is a strain gauge.
 8. The safetysystem for a treadmill of claim 2, wherein said load sensor is loadtransducer.
 9. A method for activating a treadmill with a safety system,the method comprising the steps of: inputting an input weight controlvalue in a dashboard controller of said treadmill; measuring a weight ofa user on said treadmill by a load sensor; comparing said input weightcontrol value to said weight of said user; determining if said inputweight control value is more or less than said weight of said user;activating a running surface of said treadmill if said weight of saiduser is more than said input weight control value; and prohibiting saidrunning surface of said treadmill if said weight of said user is lessthan said input weight control value.
 10. The method of claim 9 furthercomprising a step of deactivating said running surface of said treadmillwhen said weight of said user on said running surface becomes less thansaid input weight control value.
 11. The method of claim 10, whereinsaid load sensor is a strain gauge.
 12. The method of claim 9, whereinsaid load sensor is load transducer.
 13. The method of claim 10 whereinsaid activating said running surface includes rotating said runningsurface.
 14. A safety system for a treadmill, the safety systemcomprising: a load sensor disposed on a base of the treadmill, whereinsaid load sensor measures a weight on said base of said treadmill; apredeterminable input weight control value inputted into a controller ofsaid treadmill; a comparator for comparing said weight on said base ofsaid treadmill to said input weight control value, wherein saidcomparator determining if said weight on said base is greater than saidinput weight control value; and a switch for activating a runningsurface of said treadmill if said weight on said base is greater thansaid input weight control value, wherein said switch deactivates saidrunning surface of said treadmill when said weight on said base becomesless than said input weight control value.
 15. The safety system for atreadmill of claim 14, wherein said running surface is a treadmill belt.16. The safety system for a treadmill of claim 15, wherein said switchprohibits said running surface of said treadmill if said weight on saidbase is less than said input weight control value.
 17. The safety systemfor a treadmill of claim 16, wherein said input weight control value isat least 40 lbs.
 18. The safety system for a treadmill of claim 17,wherein said activating said running surface includes a running time, aspeed, and an inclination.
 19. The safety system for a treadmill ofclaim 14, wherein said load sensor is a strain gauge.
 20. The safetysystem for a treadmill of claim 14, wherein said treadmill is a stairclimber.